Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c5.s2.t1.5

v1.c5.s2.t1.5

The bodhi tree had influence on ancient Chinese literature. In the *Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch*, Shen Xiu wrote a *gatha* in which he said, “The body is the wisdom tree. Your heart is a stand of a mirror bright. Frequently wipe it. Don't let it be dusty.” In turn, Hui Neng wrote the *gatha* saying, “There is no wisdom tree nor a stand of a mirror bright. Since all is void where can the dust alight?” They were the most famous *gathas* related to the Bodhi tree in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Thus, the Bodhi tree is important in the transfer of plants between China and India as well as an important article in Chinese and Indian Buddhism and diplomatic intercourse.